Tumbler handle system

ABSTRACT

An interchangeable handle system for tumblers. The handle system includes an upper ring, a lower ring, and a handle. Each component can be removed and substituted with another like component. The handle system also includes components specifically adapted with accessories such as clip-on lines.

The present applications claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/217,179 filed on Sep. 11, 2015 (pending), which disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes and made a part of the present disclosure.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an interchangeable tumbler handle system. Tumblers are not generally made with handles, which makes them difficult to hold and carry. Also, since tumblers are often made out of stainless steel, they can get hot or cold to the touch.

There is currently no handle system for tumblers. The interchangeable handle system disclosed herein allows consumers to securely grip their tumblers, while at the same time allowing them to customize their tumblers to suit their individual personalities and lifestyles.

The interchangeable handle system allows consumers to adapt their tumbler handles to their specific taste, mood, and activity. Such a system gives consumers' different options for improving the utility, effectiveness, usefulness, and tactile qualities of their tumblers. For example, handles can be selected for specific utilities such as fishing, biking, or camping. The interchangeable handle system also allows consumers to personalize their tumblers to suit their particular aesthetic tastes. For example, handle colors could be selected to match a favorite sports team, a holiday, or any other interest.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a tumbler handle system that includes in one embodiment an upper ring with an upper ring interior surface, an upper ring exterior surface, and an upper ring engagement mechanism; a lower ring with a lower ring interior surface, a lower ring exterior surface, and a lower ring engagement mechanism; and a handle comprising an upper handle engagement mechanism and a lower handle engagement mechanism, wherein said upper handle engagement mechanism engages with said upper ring engagement mechanism and said lower handle engagement mechanism engages said lower ring engagement mechanism, and wherein said upper and lower ring interior surfaces are shaped to engage a tumbler. The upper ring may also include a width that varies around the circumference of the upper ring. The upper ring may also include an upper surface, wherein the width of the upper ring varies according to the shape of the upper surface.

The lower ring of the tumbler handle system may also include a width that varies around the circumference of the lower ring. The lower ring may also include a lower surface, wherein the width of the lower ring varies according to the shape of the lower surface.

Another embodiment of the tumbler handle system includes an engagement mechanism that is a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism may be a twist lock mechanism or a lock mechanism that is engaged once the ring is positioned about a tumbler.

Another embodiment of the tumbler handle system includes an upper ring with an interior surface that matches the exterior surface of a tumbler. The exterior surface of the upper ring may be the same shape as the interior surface or may be a different shape.

Another embodiment of the tumbler handle system includes a clip-on line attached to the upper ring. The clip-on line may be directly attached to said upper ring.

Another embodiment of the tumbler handle system includes an accessory selected from the group consisting of a compass, light, USB port, and a bottle opener.

Another embodiment of the tumbler handle system includes an upper ring that glows in the dark.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete and thorough understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a tumbler handle system positioned about a tumbler.

FIG. 2 shows the tumbler handle system with chain utility adaptation.

FIG. 3 shows the relationship between components of the tumbler handle system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a tumbler handle system. Most tumblers do not have handles, which often makes them difficult to hold and carry. Also, since they are made out of stainless steel, the outside of the tumbles can get hot to the touch.

The present disclosure is for interchangeable tumbler handles that allow tumblers to be customized to more particularly suit individual consumers. Such customization increases effectiveness, usefulness, and tactile qualities of tumbles. Such customization also allows consumers to personalize their tumblers.

The disclosed tumbler system differs from existing handles in that existing handles are not interchangeable and have limited customization options. Existing handles are also single piece units.

FIGS. 1-3 show an embodiment of tumbler handle system 10. Tumbler handle system 10 is designed to fit securely around tumbler 20. Tumbler handle system 10 includes an upper ring 30, a lower ring 40, and a handle 50. The upper ring 30 and lower ring 40 are sized and shaped to fit around tumbler 20.

Tumbler 20 is shown as a typical tumbler design, with a smooth, shaped outer surface. The diameter of the upper surface is typically larger than the diameter of the lower surface. Tumbler 20 often includes a ledge 60. Ledges are often used so that the lower portion of tumbler 20 can fit in a standard cup holder while still allowing tumbler 20 to hold a reasonable volume of fluid.

The diameter of the upper portion 70 of tumbler 20 typically increases towards the top 80 of tumbler 20. The lower portion of tumbler 20 below ledge 60 also increases in diameter from the bottom 100 of tumbler 20 to the ledge 60. In this manner, the diameter of tumbler 20 is larger at the top 80 than it is at the bottom 100.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, upper ring 30 and lower ring 40 engage and secure tumbler 20. Each ring includes an interior surface (not shown) and an exterior surface 110. In a preferred embodiment, the exterior surfaces of the rings have the same basic shape as the surface of tumbler 20. Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the exterior shape of rings 30 and 40 match the surface of tumbler 20, but will a slightly larger diameter. In alternate embodiments, however, the exterior shape 110 does not have to match the surface of tumbler 20.

For example, exterior shape 110 can be any of a number of geometric shapes such as regular decagons, or any number of other shapes that differ from the surface of tumbler 20. Further, although the exterior surface 110 is shown as being generally smooth like the surface of tumbler 20, it can contoured and shaped. For example, the exterior surface 110 can be wavy. In such a case, rings 30 and/or 40 would vary in thickness. Still further, both the upper ring 30 and lower ring 40 are shown as having the same exterior surface, which is also the same basic shape as tumbler 20. However, one skilled in the art appreciates that the upper and lower ring do not have to have to match each other or have the same shape.

Upper ring 30 and lower ring 40 have a width 140 viewed with respect to a central axis 120 extending through the center of tumbler 20. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, width 140 varies around the each ring. For example, upper ring 30 is shown varying from width 130 to width 140. Width 140 is shown as being smaller than the width 130. The width varies between width 130 and width 140 by varying the upper surface 150 of the upper ring 30. In this manner, changing the location of upper surface 130 with respect to central axis 120 can change the thickness of upper ring 30. The width of lower ring 40 can vary in a similar manner. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the width of lower ring 40 varies by varying the bottom surface 160 of lower ring 40. In one embodiment, the width of upper ring 30 decreases in an areas in which a consumer would drink from the tumbler. In this manner, upper ring 30 does not interfere with a consumer's ability to drink from tumbler 20.

In a preferred embodiment, both upper ring 30 and lower ring 40 are securely engaged to tumbler 20. In a preferred embodiment, the engagement is a frictional engagement between tumbler 20 and the interior surfaces of upper ring 30 and lower ring 40. To achieve this engagement, upper ring 30 and lower ring 40 are sized and shaped to fit snugly around tumbler 20. The fit is based on the interference between the tumbler and the inside of each ring. In this manner, the tumbler handle system 10 can be engaged simply by moving the handle system 10 towards the top 80 of tumbler 20 until it fits snugly around tumbler 20. Similarly, the handle system 10 can be disengaged by moving the handle system 10 down, towards the bottom 100 of tumbler 20.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the lower ring 40 engages tumbler 20 without contacting ledge 60. Thus, the tumbler handle system 10 can be secured in position without support from ledge 60. In an alternative embodiment, the upper surface of lower ring 40 can be configured to match and wedge against ledge 60. In a preferred embodiment, both upper and lower rings engage tumbler 20 at the same time as they are being positioned about tumbler 20.

The tumbler handle system of FIGS. 1-3 includes handle 50 that can be engaged and disengaged from the upper ring 30 and the lower ring 40. Although different types of engagement are contemplated, a twisting engagement is preferred. In a twisting engagement, the rings are engaged to handle 50 using a male/female twist lock system. In one embodiment, the upper ring 30 has a male twist and lock mechanism to secure upper ring 30 to a female twist and lock mechanism on upper portion of handle 50. Similarly, the lower ring 40 has a male twist and lock mechanism to secure the lower ring 40 to a female twist and lock mechanism on the lower portion of handle 50. In an alternative embodiment, the male twist and lock mechanisms are part of handle 50 and the female portion of the twist and lock mechanism are part of rings 30 and 40.

In an alternative embodiment, the tumbler handle system 10 may not include a lock mechanism. In this embodiment, the rings rely on being held in a stable position relative to handle 50 by tumbler 20. Thus, the rings freely twist relative to handle 50 until the tumbler handle system is positioned about tumbler 20. Once positioned, the engagement between rings and tumbler 20 prevent the rings from twisting out of handle 50.

Handle 50 is shown as being shaped to be gripped by a human hand. However, other handle shapes can be used with rings 30 and 40. For example, a handle can be used that is specifically adapted to hang from a bicycle, backpack, belt, or the like.

The tumbler handle system 10 is also configured to be used with handle system accessories. In FIG. 2, the tumbler handle system 10 is shown with clip-on line 170. Clip-on line 170 allows tumbler 20 to be worn about the neck of a user. Although clip-on line 170 is shown, other accessories are also contemplated and within the scope of tumbler handle system 10. For example, handle systems can come with bottle openers, compasses, fishing line cutters, mini lights, USB ports and or chargers, and other accessories. Further, the rings can be configured to glow and otherwise provide light and/or identification markings visible at night.

In a preferred embodiment, the interchangeable tumbler handle system 10 can be specifically adapted for a particular tumbler manufacturer.

Upper ring 30, lower ring 40, and handle 50 are selected to improve the effectiveness, usefulness, and tactile qualities of tumblers. Further, the interchangeability allows the appearance of tumblers to be personalized through the interchange handles and rings.

The upper and lower rings and the handle are manufactured through a manufacturing process called plastic molded injection. The molds are made for each piece and then the plastic is injected into the machine molds.

The molds are made precisely so that pieces ejected out of the plastic mold injection machine are ready to assemble.

Although plastic rings and handles have been discussed, rings and handles can be made out of other materials like steel, wood, and even composite materials such as a carbon fiber composites. Additionally, each component can be made out of the same or different material.

Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A tumbler handle system comprising: an upper ring with an upper ring interior surface, an upper ring exterior surface, and an upper ring engagement mechanism; a lower ring with a lower ring interior surface, a lower ring exterior surface, and a lower ring engagement mechanism; and a handle comprising an upper handle engagement mechanism and a lower handle engagement mechanism, wherein said upper handle engagement mechanism engages with said upper ring engagement mechanism and said lower handle engagement mechanism engages said lower ring engagement mechanism, and wherein said upper and lower ring interior surfaces are shaped to engage a tumbler.
 2. The tumbler handle system of claim 1, wherein said upper ring includes an upper ring width that varies around the circumference of the upper ring.
 3. The tumbler handle system of claim 2, wherein said upper ring includes an upper surface and wherein the upper ring width varies according to the shape of the upper surface of said upper ring.
 4. The tumbler handle system of claim 3, wherein said lower ring includes a lower ring width that varies around the circumference of the lower ring.
 5. The tumbler handle system of claim 4, wherein said lower ring includes a lower surface and wherein the lower ring width varies according to the shape of the lower surface of said lower ring.
 6. The tumbler handle system of claim 1, wherein said upper ring engagement mechanism is a lock mechanism.
 7. The tumbler handle system of claim 1, wherein said upper ring engagement mechanism is a twist lock mechanism.
 8. The tumbler handle system of claim 1, wherein said upper ring engagement mechanism secures said upper rings relative to said handle when said upper ring and said lower ring are positioned about a tumbler.
 9. The tumbler handle system of claim 1, wherein the interior surface of said upper ring matches the exterior surface of a tumbler.
 10. The tumbler handle system of claim 9, wherein the exterior surface of said upper ring has the same shape as the interior surface of the upper ring.
 11. The tumbler handle system of claim 9, wherein the exterior surface of said upper ring has a different shape as the interior surface of the upper ring.
 12. The tumbler handle system of claim 1, wherein said system further comprises a clip-on line attached to said upper ring.
 13. The tumbler handle system of claim 12, wherein said clip-on line is directly attached to said upper ring.
 14. The tumbler handle system of claim 1, wherein said upper handles includes an accessory.
 15. The tumbler handle system of claim 14, wherein said accessory is selected from the group consisting of a compass, light, USB port, and a bottle opener.
 16. The tumbler handle system of claim 1, wherein said upper ring glows in the dark. 